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pictures of alternate solar power installations?
If you have found any pictures detailing alternate solar power installations I would love to see them. I was able to view pictures showing the factory installation and I do know there is an option for a second panel. For me needs I may be considering additional panels so I would love to see pictures and read about details of installations. I did search here and was not able to find any.

Has anybody been able to order their LD and delete the factory solar system? The reason I ask is because if a four panel system were planned it would be better to build from scratch and optimize versus replacing and upgrading existing components.
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #1 –
When we ordered our 27’ MB in early 2018, we were told that we could not delete the solar panel system, so we ordered an additional panel and went forward as it was equipped. At least at first, we will be “weekend/holiday” type campers so hopefully it will work for us.

Not sure in the past how it was done.

I think the question I asked in January 2018 was "can the solar panel system be deleted for credit"? I believe Todd said no
Nov 2023, 2012 31’ IB, white/green swoops & swirles, 2009 Mini Cooper, racing green convertible, toad 🐸

We ordered white/gray  2018 27' mid bath 1/3/18 and we are hoping for a July 16th 2019 delivery, sold, and tried a Lithium Travato, wish  I would have kept the Lazy Daze 27’
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #2 –
"Has anybody been able to order their LD and delete the factory solar system? The reason I ask is because if a four panel system were planned it would be better to build from scratch and optimize versus replacing and upgrading existing components."
----
I definitely agree with this approach, and if I were ordering a new LD, I would certainly ask! However, I doubt that LD will agree to your request; they are a factory-direct operation, not a custom one, and although there may be some wiggle room on a few items, I have not heard of anyone being able to convince the factory to skip the solar panels/charger/converter package.

Good luck; if by some weird aligning of the stars you are successful, let us know!
2003 TK has a new home
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #3 –
Larry W. and Andy B. should chime in here.  Others have found Vince helpful at adding structural beams (wood) as the LD's are assembled (I recall an awning delete for a later awning add of a different brand).  I would buy the two at the factory. and ask Vince to add the structure for the additional panels during the build. 
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #4 –
"Has anybody been able to order their LD and delete the factory solar system?"

Here's my 2¢ on that topic! On my 2004 30'IB one panel came standard. I asked for and was granted a 2nd panel. After additional research I determined that the physical location of those panels was NOT optimum. AM Solar remedied that and added a 3rd panel. I'm happy with the current arrangement.

As to deletions of standard items, I had LD delete the coffee maker and the ice maker. When I announced that I wished them to delete the awning as well, they agreed. Steve Newton asked me if I intended to install my own aftermarket awning. When I affirmed that I would he allowed as how they would reinforce the mounting points during the build.

I also asked for a handicap assist bar located just inside the coach door on the fridge wall. Steve also reinforced (blocked) that area. I guess it was a good idea because from the 2005 model year there has been a grab bar on all models as standard equipment.  :D  You can thank me for that!

Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #5 –
Renegade,

We own a ‘15 RB and purchased the second solar panel offered by the factory. Here are some photos of our installation.

In the pics you will see the manual sat dish toward the front of the coach just ahead of the forward panel. To the right of the sat dish is the TV antenna.

To the rear of the coach just behind the rear solar panel is space enough for an additional panel.

If TV reception is unimportant to you, eliminating the sat dish and TV antenna will give you space for at least two or three more panels forward and two more along the curb side of the roof. This of course doesn’t leave much real estate to climb up topside but hey you asked.

If it’s possible, by the looks of things you may be able to get 10 panels up there, but where would you put the batteries to store all that power? Maybe a towable Tesla battery?

I’m ok with what we’ve got, although I’m still considering a Portable 200 Watt Suitcase Solar System. Maybe one day.

Good luck.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #6 –
Hello Kent - very helpful pictures!

So your system is showing two 100 watt units installed? Wow, tons of room remaining. I cut cable nearly a decade ago and my TV in my home has not been on in over five years so I do not believe I will require a satellite or conventional TV antenna. If I am unable to delete the factory installed TV I would most likely keep the standard antenna installed for occasional local use. I really would be perfectly fine without it though.

Do I have all the components labeled correctly in the attached picture?

I am curious if anyone knows what manufacture and model numbers are for the respective components. So I am guessing most installs with four or more panels just run them in series so they are able to use the same lines that are installed? Forgive me but my mind is mostly mechanical and I am quite weak when it comes to electrical.
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #7 –
Here is a picture I found on AM Solar of a 2006 LD RB with three panels added to the one factory. Are the factory attachment points installed using 3M VHB tape or are they screwed and sealed?

Maybe if I am unable to delete the "system" they will agree to install everything except the solar panel up topside. If my plans are to install four or more panels I would prefer to begin with a clean slate.
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #8 –
Renegade,

Yes all the components are as you have indicated.

Doing a quick search on LDO I found the following posts that may answer your mounting questions...

“Having just had three mounted at AM Solar, I can attest to them using both methods..tape AND screws. I asked about just using the tape and they declined--felt it not as safe as they'd want to be responsible for.
 I was offered the option of leaving the old hardware as it could have been done.  I had the old mounting hardware for the original panel removed, and the resulting holes sealed...didn't want to leave the mounting hardware as another thing to catch garbage on the roof under neath the new panels..they do mount them raised up an inch or so.”
————————————————-
I REALLY don't want to drill the roof. I may even have to rethink my idea of mounting the panels on the luggage rack, at least it's bolted down and wouldn't require putting any new holes in the roof."

“Have you ever gone on top of your LD and see how many Factory installed screws penetrate the roof? Obviously properly installed screws is not going to auto-destruct your LD. Imitate the Factory's procedures or methods used in marine construction. It's all about doing it right, the right prep, screws and glue.
I have inspected several A&M Solar installations and have visited their shop in Oregon. They do first class work. If their years of experience have shown the screwed and glued foot is the preferred method, you should give it very serious consideration.
Oh, BTW, LD installs them the same way.
 When I installed the panels on our LD, each foot was attached to the roof with a lot of 3M Polyurethane Adhesive/Sealant 5200 (tensile strength - 700spi) and a couple of stainless steel screws. The screws were used primarily to bed-in the feet deeply into the glue.  After curing, the screws can be removed and holes sealed with more polyurethane. I prefer to leave the screws intact, liking the added mechanical strength.
A blop of glue over each screw head seals it up. You could add a strip of Eternabond over the screw heads, if desired.
You want to make sure the surfaces are well prepped. Read the glue's instructions.
If done right, this connection should be leak free for the life of the MH.

Through the roof penetrations should always be well thought out.
If long-lasting waterproof thru-hull fittings and screws can work in salt-water boats, they can work on the roof of a motor home.

Larry”

I hope this helps.

Kent


2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #9 –
"Here are some photos of our installation."

I've never understood why the factory mounts panels right next to the air conditioner, where they are guaranteed to be shaded for a good part of the day, when there's plenty of unshaded roof space they could be using. They've been doing it for years, and it's as bad an idea now as it was fifteen or twenty years ago.

Sure, if you want to put six panels on the roof of a 27' motorhome, as I did, some of them will wind up next to the air conditioner. But just two? Come on! Put 'em where they won't be shaded!

I'll second what others have said: if you can, get the factory to omit the panels. Then either mount your own or have AM Solar or one of its installers put on as many panels as you feel the need for and can fit. This way you can decide where they fit best.

In multiple-panel setups, I've found that the most efficient way to wire is in series-parallel pairs. In other words, if you have four 100 W panels, wire each pair in series and then wire the pairs together in parallel. That'll give you roughly 36V at 11 A, which will make your MPPT solar controller very happy. Although common wisdom says series-wired panels stop producing when even a small portion of one panel is shaded, in practice I've found it's not a problem. Having several pairs wired in parallel minimizes the chances of this happening. (I have three pairs.)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #10 –
We did not need to delete the solar package. It was an option we did not want, so we did not order it. So I am not sure what you folks are talking about when you say the factory may not allow you to delete it. Maybe you wanted the controller wired in, but no panels?

We had our system installed by an AM Solar trained tech two days after we took delivery. They are NOT shaded by the ac, as the ones shown in the picture Kent posted. All three are forward on our MB. No screws were used.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #11 –
"We did not need to delete the solar package. It was an option we did not want, so we did not order it. So I am not sure what you folks are talking about when you say the factory may not allow you to delete it."
----
I believe that only a second solar panel is an option; one panel (and a charge controller) is standard and all models are delivered with this. Solar was an optional add-on for many years, but I think the factory has been using a one-panel "default" installation for a few years now.

2003 TK has a new home
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #12 –
"the factory has been using a one-panel 'default' installation for a few years now."

Correct.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
In multiple-panel setups, I've found that the most efficient way to wire is in series-parallel pairs. In other words, if you have four 100 W panels, wire each pair in series and then wire the pairs together in parallel. That'll give you roughly 36V at 11 A, which will make your MPPT solar controller very happy. Although common wisdom says series-wired panels stop producing when even a small portion of one panel is shaded, in practice I've found it's not a problem. Having several pairs wired in parallel minimizes the chances of this happening. (I have three pairs.)
Hello Andy and thank you for the very interesting information. My thoughts regarding running the system was only considering higher voltages equate to much less current loss over long runs. I did not crunch any numbers - just took a shot from the hip :)

Is there a information source which suggested that running six panels in series-parallel pairs would make the MPPT happy? I am looking for all of the information available and it sure looks like you have done some research.
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Don Malpas  - 
We did not need to delete the solar package. It was an option we did not want, so we did not order it. So I am not sure what you folks are talking about when you say the factory may not allow you to delete it.

Hello Don - I was looking at the 2017 price list and it looks like the 100 watt panel is now standard across all models. Does anyone know when this became a standard feature?
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #15 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
"We did not need to delete the solar package. It was an option we did not want, so we did not order it. So I am not sure what you folks are talking about when you say the factory may not allow you to delete it."
----
I believe that only a second solar panel is an option; one panel (and a charge controller) is standard and all models are delivered with this. Solar was an optional add-on for many years, but I think the factory has been using a one-panel "default" installation for a few years now.


You can probably count the RV brands that offer solar panel(s) as standard equipment on one hand. Not many options to pony up for on the Lazy Daze. Unusual in the RV biz.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #16 –
I'm confused as to why people need all these solar panels. As far as I know the LD can only hold two batteries so no matter how much power you can generate during the day you can only hold two batteries worth of power over night for using lights heater etc. What am I missing here?
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
I'm confused as to why people need all these solar panels. As far as I know the LD can only hold two batteries so no matter how much power you can generate during the day you can only hold two batteries worth of power over night for using lights heater etc. What am I missing here?

With AGM's a person can add many more batteries.  In fact with lithium batteries one can add an ungodly amount of power just using the battery compartment.   <smile> All you need is a large checking account. 

personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #18 –
Sawyer,
If you want to have an all electric coach like a Roadtrek Ecoteck or you operate an on line business while full timing you might need that much power.  If you live in front of the computer all day, you just want to escape the computer world, like me.

I just want no cell service, no satellite service, no Netflix, no VCR, No DVD, a little public broadcast, and simple nature, with an antique 1988 MB, Magnatek single voltage charger, lead acid batteries, 200 wats solar, sick Onan Emerald, and propane.  When the Coach is really dead, start the truck and get 40 amps of charge current instead of 6 amps from the Magnatek charger.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #19 –
"...you can only hold two batteries worth of power over night for using lights heater etc."

The very minimal 225AH capacity of the stock batteries may be adequate for an overnight charge when they are new. As time goes by and their ability to hold that charge diminishes things can get dicey. After a frigid night on an old set of batteries you may wake up with icicles on your nose, not a fun thing. But then you discover that the furnace hasn't been working since 3AM and now, at 7AM there isn't enough juice to turn the generator. I hope you have the means to make yourself a cup of joe while you wait for the solar panels to bring the batteries back to life.  ::)

By then you may have the knowledge that under those circumstances all you need to do is start the engine (whose battery should be okay  :o ) to get enough power to start the generator which in turn will allow you to once again have hot air heating and water.  ;)  ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #20 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"...you can only hold two batteries worth of power over night for using lights heater etc."

The very minimal 225AH capacity of the stock batteries may be adequate for an overnight charge when they are new. As time goes by and their ability to hold that charge diminishes things can get dicey. After a frigid night on an old set of batteries you may wake up with icicles on your nose, not a fun thing. But then you discover that the furnace hasn't been working since 3AM and now, at 7AM there isn't enough juice to turn the generator. I hope you have the means to make yourself a cup of joe while you wait for the solar panels to bring the batteries back to life.  ::)

By then you may have the knowledge that under those circumstances all you need to do is start the engine (whose battery should be okay  :o ) to get enough power to start the generator which in turn will allow you to once again have hot air heating and water.  ;)  ;D
That's kind of my thinking too. No matter how many solar panels you have you only have the storage capacity of two batteries to get you through the night. Having said that I use Trojan batteries in my solar powered home and will switch my LD which currently has cheap costco golf  cart batteries over to them in the near future. A lot of bang for the buck.

T-105 Plus | Trojan Battery Company



Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #21 –
Many add batteries to take advantage of their large solar arrays. AGMs can be added inside safely.
Batteries can hung under the frame .
Below shows how our rig has four, T-105s, mounted under the floor.
Battery tray- new | Flickr

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
I'm confused as to why people need all these solar panels. As far as I know the LD can only hold two batteries so no matter how much power you can generate during the day you can only hold two batteries worth of power over night for using lights heater etc. What am I missing here?

We have two Trojan T-145 batts and 360 watts of solar. The additional solar gets us to full charge quicker and works faster on cloudy days as well. We also tend to be using computers and other electronics in the morning and we have the power to run these things during the day while still getting the batteries charged. We started off with 2 100 watt batteries factory installed and added the third and have seen a clear difference and benefit with the third.

If you primarily stay where you have hookups you obviously don't need it.

Jim
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #23 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
I'm confused as to why people need all these solar panels. As far as I know the LD can only hold two batteries <snip>

Hello Sawyer - it appears as if many owners who use three or more solar panels are adding additional batteries. Here is picture from AM Solar showing two additional 300Ah 6V AGM 6CTs batteries and other gear installed under the bench in a 1998 LD 26.

Here is the AM Solar link: 1998 Lazy Daze w/ Chevy Chassis, 26’
Chet in Yorktown, Virginia
Re: pictures of alternate solar power installations?
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Jim & Gayle  - 
We have two Trojan T-145 batts and 360 watts of solar. The additional solar gets us to full charge quicker and works faster on cloudy days as well. We also tend to be using computers and other electronics in the morning and we have the power to run these things during the day while still getting the batteries charged. We started off with 2 100 watt batteries factory installed and added the third and have seen a clear difference and benefit with the third.

If you primarily stay where you have hookups you obviously don't need it.

Jim
Good point on cloudy days.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.